IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE
GDC K9
SYNTHETIC DRUG DETECTION
CANINE TRAINING : SYNTHETIC DRUG DETECTION
Another Tool in Our Mission of Creating Safe and Secure Facilities
The Georgia Department of Corrections ( GDC ) Canine Unit is responsible for enhancing public safety throughout the State of Georgia by providing effective canine support for local , state , and federal law enforcement agencies . The Canine Unit currently houses , trains , and deploys tracking and trailing canines , narcotic detection canines , cell phone detection canines , and explosive detection canines . Launching this spring , the narcotic detection canines will begin training to detect synthetic drugs to assist with creating safe and secure facilities within the GDC .
Recently , the number of synthetic drug-related incidents within the state ’ s facilities has begun to increase . With the Canine Unit ’ s help , facilities across the state will be able to combat the introduction and usage of these illegal substances . In coordination with the Drug Enforcement Agency , the GDC Canine Unit will be trained to detect the odor of popular chemicals used to create synthetic drugs .
The training for each synthetic scent consists of a three-step imprint process consisting of scent recognition , scent association , and behavioral shaping devices . Once the canine has mastered all three scent recognition steps , it will be certified in synthetic drug detection .
Imprinting GDC Canine dogs on synthetic odors provide the agency with another tool in our mission to operate safe and secure facilities .
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